The Congress on Saturday termed the Narendra Modi-led central government a 'fuel-loot sarkar' and demanded withdrawal of the excise duties on petrol and diesel.

Surjewala further said: “Looting people by the BJP by collecting excise duties of Rs 2 lakh 50 thousand crore has become the new normal. (PTI)

The Congress on Saturday termed the Narendra Modi-led central government a ‘fuel-loot sarkar’ and demanded withdrawal of the excise duties on petrol and diesel. “Burning holes in the pocket of common people have become benchmark of governance for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government,” said Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala, hitting out at Tourism Minister K.J. Alphons’ remark on petrol and diesel prices.

“Arrogance of BJP has crossed all proportions when Tourism Minister K.J. Alphons said if you have a scooter, motorcycle or a small car, then you can afford to pay the high prices of petrol and diesel,” he added. Surjewala further said: “Looting people by the BJP by collecting excise duties of Rs 2 lakh 50 thousand crore has become the new normal.

“No wonder BJP is called the fuel-loot sarkar as crude oil prices plummet, the petrol and diesel prices skyrocket and that is the new reality of New India,” he added. “We demand that BJP forthwith withdraws the 400 per cent and 135 per cent excise that they have imposed on diesel and petrol and give relief to common man against the spiralling prices of petrol and diesel,” the Congress spokesperson added.